KEYS: Cocho Arbe, Ken Stange, Billl Zapia, Billy T. Dennis Mellen.
DRUMS: Joel Richman, Tony DeAugustine, Ryan Rose, Gary Olds
BASS: Daryl Williams, Chris Gordan, Frank Fabio, Dave Inamine, Tim Scott
GUITAR: Jerry Lopez, Matt Baldoni, Steve Reichert
Influences
I have many heroes of saxophonists , vocalists and percussionists.
Grandfather Felipe Castaneda was my first hero of the sax. I can remember listening intently to every note grandfather played when I was 4 or 5 years old. He was an alto player performing at house parties for friends and also small Mexican bars throughout Central and Southern California. The styles of Mexican ballads, Corridos and Rancheras music were his expertise.
I can remember hearing for the first time the song "Sabor A Mi" in his living room with a keyboard player, bassist and drummer. It was the most beautiful and melodic song that I had ever heard. That song prepared me for what was to come.
When I matured to the ripe old age of 9 or 10 our family took the 45 minute drive to Bakersfield California for a Castaneda Family Reunion. I took notice of my two uncles Lalo and Felipe Castaneda Jr. whose own bands performed at the reunion respectfully. Great players in their own right. Both bands vying for grandfathers approval.
I followed my Uncle Lalo ( Edward ) backstage where he was putting his horn in its case. I asked if I could see it and of course he obliged. As he opened the old and battered case I was overwhelmed by the musty odor that only a sax case had. The aroma overtook me and held me in its intoxicating cloud. It was right then and there that I knew I was to become a sax player.
Grandfather gave me my first alto sax when I was about to enter the 4th grade. It was a Martin Indiana. .
I couldn't wait for granddad or anyone else to help me. I immediately took matters into my own hands and tried for two weeks figuring out how that little flat stick went on the horn.Well finally Uncle Lalo visited and showed me. It was that day I blew my first note and fell in love. It began my journey into the music world that would eventually land me some great tours and endorsements. grandfather lived well into his nineties. God Bless Him and Uncle Felipe.
Uncle Felipe passed on a few years ago but Uncle Lalo, who turns 72 August 28, 2008 is still going strong. He performs with his church band called "Gods Way Band" I had the honor of performing with Lalo and his band at my cousin Raouls funeral service. A very bittersweet day.
This list of list sax players inspired me to incorporate their individual styles and tone into my own playing. Here is a short list of musicians I admire.
Grover Washington Jr. , Hank Crawford, Sonny Stitt, Charlie Parker, King Curtis, David Sandborn, Maceo Parker, Michael Brecker etc.....
The list of my favorite influential vocalists and percussionists is just as diverse.
Thank You for reading about my sax beginnings.
Tommy is a world renowned saxophonist , vocalist and percussionist and has recently finished an 18 month run with WAYNE BRADY, the Emmy award winning comedian and improvisational genius of “ Whose Line Is It Anyway ?" at the Venetian Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. Tommy toured and performed with Joe Cocker , Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons , Barry White , Pauline Wilson , James Brown , Wayne Brady , Bruce Conte (Tower of Power) , El Chicano , and a host of others. He also toured last year with the Solid Gold Dance Party headlining with The Village People , Peaches and Herb , Taste Of Honey , France Joli , Maxine Nightengale , Anita Ward and Thelma Houston . Being a transplant from California he is well respected within the Las Vegas Music Community.
Tommy is currently performing with HUMAN NATURE at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. The ULTIMATE CELEBRATION OF MOTOWN is endorsed by SMOKEY ROBINSON. Showtime is 8pm and dark on Fridays
This year Tommy founded the Slick Willie Orchestra. It is an 8 piece blues band with horns that performs at several venues in Las Vegas. The Slick Willie Orchestra offers any musician to perform with SWO. The whole idea is to keep live music alive with the help of local musicians. Even though it doesn't pay well, it's an opportunity to perform with some great musicians.Where else can you enjoy performing with your peers while networking and making a little cash. Tommy books and manages the band. "It's one way of preserving live music in Las Vegas"
Hello Tommy, How are you today? To the fathers in your family, Happy Father's day! Drop in when you have a min. Have a wonderful weekend and we continue to thank you and appreciate you!! Peace and blessings, The Olympics and Vel Omarr & The P'zazz Band
.. The Olympics will appear at the Greek Theatre on Saturday, June 27th! We'd love to see you there.
Hello Tommy, We hope this day has found you in good spirits and a longing for great things to come. We wish you a wonderful weekend. Thank you for supporting our music!! Your comments are appreciated.
Peace and blessings, The Olympics and Vel Omarr & The P'zazz Band
..
..
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." Jimi Hendrix
I..m nominated for "Artist of the month" By a German magazin(Stern) and I need your vote !!! Would you give me 6 points ? You can vote every 24 hours !!!ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT !!! Click on the writing under the pic. "Hier geht..s zum Voting" A page with 4 Artist opens. Click on the red button beside my picture " Ansehen & Abstimmen" Another side opens. There you see 6 grey points. Click the point on the right site "Super!Gründe sofort Fanclub" After voting it..s written "Vielen Dank für deine Bewertung"
Hello Tommy, Thanks for reaching out and also for the friendship!! It's good to see a friend from the past. Wow! What are the odds? We wish you many blessings and much happiness on this journey. Thanks for the update!!!
..
..
Online Now!
..
..
..
..
..
..